American Airlines told me that i need a passport to Hawaii after 1-23-07 Anyone else hear about this yet?

Question

I am traveling to and from Hawaii and I was told by American Airlines that after January 23 2007, that all overseas travel will need passports. Even though Hawaii is in the US, you still need it. Has anyone heard of this or researched this?

Answer 1

I had a tough time believing that one.
I sure don't think so after reading the link below.

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Answer 2

That is like saying I need a passport to go to New Mexico, Hawaii is a state. End of question. The new passport law that begins on the 23rd of January is for air travel into Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands that aren't US territories. Now, one more time, Hawaii is a State in the UNITED STATES.

Answer 3

The representative is mistaken. This is only if you are crossing borders. Hawaii is a state - there is no border being crossed. They will not even be requiring passports if you are exiting or entering a US Territory. You can visit the following website for the details:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

"The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands."

Answer 4

Here is a quote directly from the Department of Homeland Security:

Traveling To and From U.S. Territories
U.S. Citizens traveling to and returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the U.S. territory and do not need to present a passport.

U.S. territories include:

American Samoa
Guam
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Puerto Rico
Swains Island
U.S. Virgin Islands

That is just for US territories. I'm guessing that, since Hawaii is actually a state in the USA, that you will not need a passport.

Answer 5

I went to Department of State website and they had this handy FAQ about the 1-23-2007 passport chage. Accordingly, Hawai'i travelers DO NOT need passports, as it is a state, and even U.S. territories are not required to present passports. The change is only going to impact those traveling from Mexico, Canada, etc... Check out the website yourself!! and THANX for asking this question, I was kinda wondering about this too :)

Answer 6

Yes it is true as of 1-23-07 you will need a passport to go to Hawaii. I fly Continental Airlines and they informed me of the same thing. Do to Security is what I was told.

Answer 7

once you're an American citizen, then no -- you will no longer choose for a passport to bypass to Hawaii. yet it style of feels love that's a protracted way away -- and that's! -- you're no longer technically leaving the U. S., considering Hawaii is between the 50 American states. it somewhat is as lots a ingredient of usa as, say, Iowa or Michigan. Your drivers license -- provided it somewhat is valid and contemporary -- would be sufficient for you to commute with, offering you're a U.S. citizen, flying from someplace interior the U.S. to Hawaii. (in case you're no longer a U.S. citizen, i've got given you a link under so which you will verify and notice what you will need. once you're interior the U.S. already, however, i could anticipate you're an enduring Resident, wherein case the comparable regulations word as in case you have been a U.S. citizen -- i.e.: no passport needed.) i think of there could have been slightly confusion by using new regulations that have been applied in January of this 12 months -- they state that as quickly as arriving via AIR from the U.S. into Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, imperative and South usa, and Bermuda, all U.S. electorate could have a passport. (you do no longer presently choose for a passport if arriving via land or sea, yet you will do as quickly as next January.) considering you are going to Hawaii, although, you're nice. wish this enables -- have a secure holiday!

Answer 8

You must remember that most of those agents you speak with on the phone are outsourced to other countries (i.e. India), and many of them don't know that Hawaii is a state.

You do NOT need a passport to travel to or from Hawaii. It is a US state, like any other.

Answer 9

Starting the new year 2007, all people traveling anywhere outside of the good ole US of A (water) will be required to have a passport. Great thing if I may say so myself.

Answer 10

It does not surprise me - although I would check further. It's another deterrent in the war on terrorism. Try the Department of Homeland Security website for details.